Stage Challenge 2012: Pure as Snow

Well, another Stage Challenge came to a close, well.... other than our thank-you performance next week.  It is always such a busy time around the Performing Arts Suite, so taking a break to blog is a challenge.  Between costumes, make-up and all the forms, we never thought we would get it finished.  But we did.

And I was really proud of the students. 

Kieran Tankersley and Ariane Gleeson ran the show this year, coming up with the concept, choreography, rehearsals, soundtrack, forms, fundraising, you name it, they did it!  Crazy busy.  It has been so good for both girls, not for the credits, but for all the organisational and management skills they have learned along the way.

Along with Travis Brown who helped with choreography and rehearsals, if it was on stage, these 3 had a major hand in it.  Oliver Healy deserves a shout out for his castle and getting the set there.  Cole Garratt and Jasmine Turner were stellar with lighting and backstage work.  Danica Kawana and Alena-Rose Burt were invaluable in rehearsal as well.  The committee worked so hard to get the show on the road.

On the night we took out 4 awards, for Stage Use, Visual Enhancement, Creative Thinking and Storyboard, so we were pleased with the haul.

Our congratulations goes out to Makoura College for their routine about the Christchurch Earthquake and to the overall winners, Wairarapa College for their piece about Antarctica.  It was a proud night to be from the Wairarapa.

Ariane Gleeson as Snow White

Kieran Tankersley as the Evil Queen

Travis and Setty attack Ariane in Rehearsal

Ariane and Travis in Rehearsal

Those under the Queen's Control

The Finale

The final moment

The Wizard of Oz

Well, with our Matinee performances officially over, and today's was COMPLETELY packed!  We did not have a spare seat in the whole hall!  It was an amazing crowd of children, pre-schoolers and folks from Palliser and Abour House. 

The cast were nothing less than amazing and astounding.  It has been a long long long road from where we were, to where we are now, and I am so proud of everyone. 

Some people do need a special mention.....

Adam Lesslie has been at every rehearsal- even the ones that don't involve his scene.  He learnt all his lines, has not complained about his costume (and he has many reasons he could complain about it!), but this is not why he needs mentioning.  Adam routinely vacuums the drama room, puts other people's costumes away, fills water jugs, minds small children, does heavy lifting and mopping and sweeping, without being asked or without complaining.  He has been a total star.

Civic Cruz has been in the same ilk.  He has been brilliant on stage, singing, dancing, miming... wearing make-up..... and always helpful.  He always picks up a paintbrush and helps the set crew, empties rubbish bins, puts things away, helps people to their seats and is polite and charming in same light.

Christina Hyde has only JUST returned from Switzerland.... before her jet-lag was over, she had a script and created a stage management plan, and worked wonders with the terrific stage crew (Sophie Adams, Steph Wright and Sam Hayes).... and no one has missed a cue, or had the wrong staging or anything.  Stage management is never easy, but Christina has totally blown us all away with her willingness and experience in getting things sorted.

Dan Carlisle, Rowan Pemberton, Sarah Hall, all need mentioning for their extra work in the ushing of people and checking they are all ok.

The Yr 11 Dance class have also stepped up, committing to the whole production, even though they are only on stage for a total of 59 seconds!  That is total committment.  So thank you Aleisha Bain, Danica Kawana, Jess Hollis, Ariane Gleeson, Ivy Skelton and Kristina Curtice.  I admire the way you have just taken the challenge and rolled with it brilliantly.

Josh Hoskins, Oliver Healy and Jordan Mackie have all been at school since 7:00am for over a week now getting the set, lighting and sound under control.  They have worked tirelessly to finish tasks, design and build, and to give up their own time to do it.  The show would be impossible without such people.

So, the show is on in the next 3 nights.  Tickets are $5.... be there.  Here are some images from performance so far.

Waimarama and Ilse as the Good Witches.... slightly ditzy but good hearted

Arjun, Alena-Rose and Dom get into character

The Scarecrow, Tinman, and Dorothy meet the Lion

Tilly, who is playing Toto.

Arts and Politics

Well, with the BOT Student Rep nominations and elections beginning tomorrow, the Arts are well supported by our 3 nominees.

Zoe Renor is Year 11- and takes Music, Dance and Drama.  She has a role in the production, plays ukulele, sings, dances, and is off to Dance NZ Made tomorrow.

Emily Jamieson is a Year 10 taking senior classes.  She also plays the violin, guitar and piano.  Last year she was Cleopatra in the Shakespearean production.

Aodhan Stonnell is a Year 9 student, and a strong Drama enthusiast.  He directed Louis and Barney in "MacBeth" earlier this year, and has a key role in this year's production.

All 3 are responsible, intelligent and darn great people.  No matter who wins, we will be proud.

Mr Shepherd, Mr Hall, Emily, Aodhan and Zoe preparing to deliver their speeches.

Dance NZ Made is tomorrow, and all going well, Ms Pratt and her talented dancers, along with parent helpers and myself, will be travelling in the wee small hours up to Palmerston North to enjoy the workshops, the city, and the competition.  Good luck to all the dancers!  And watch this space for results.